A new transfer target has been thrown into the mix today, with news today confirming Newcastle hold genuine interest in Hamburg’s Lewis Hotlby – the central midfielder formerly of Tottenham Hotspur.
The Mirror, the club’s official media partner, broke the story this morning, claiming both us and Bournemouth were keen on bringing the German midfielder back to the Premier League this summer, suggesting a fee in the region of just £5m could be enough to be enough to secure a deal.
Newcastle’s interest in the former Spurs man was then confirmed by United’s sports writer for the Shields Gazette, Miles Starforth, who confirmed that the 26-year-old was indeed a player under consideration by Rafa Benitez.
Understand Newcastle are interested in Hamburg's Lewis Holtby, but no bid as yet. One of a number of potential midfield targets. #nufc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) June 30, 2017
Holtby has three caps for the German national side and signed for Tottenham for £1.5m in January 2013. He scored 3 goals in 42 appearances for Spurs and was later sold to Hamburg for £4.6m in 2015, having played in the Bundesliga with them every since.
He is capable of playing in a deeper central midfield role and as a no.10, however is not known for his goalscoring ability, bagging 37 goals in 305 senior appearances.
Standing at just 5ft 9, Holtby lacks stature, but is said to make up for that in his work rate and stamina on the pitch, having become adored at Hamburg for his combative style.
At 26 Holtby is likely to be entering his prime and could be an incredibly shrewd buy if the £5m fee suggested is true. He is versatile and looks the sort of player who’d for the fight at St. James’ if we were to hand him a second crack at the Premier League.